UNC Athletics announced on Wednesday night Bill Belichick, the former head coach of the New England Patriots, will be North Carolina's next football coach.
Belichick has agreed to a five-year deal, pending approval by the UNC Board of Trustees and Board of Governors. The BOT will hold an emergency meeting on Thursday at 9 a.m. to "review the terms and conditions of prospective employment contract(s) and to consider prospective employment."
A news conference will be held at a later date.
"This is an exciting day for Carolina football and our University,'' Chancellor Lee Roberts said in a press release. "Carolina is committed to excellence and to creating an opportunity to succeed in everything we do, from the classroom to the field of competition. I know after speaking with Coach Belichick that he shares that commitment. His legacy speaks for itself, and we look forward to working together on the next chapter of Carolina football."
Regarded as one of the best football coaches in history, Belichick was an NFL coach from 1975 to 2023. He became head coach of the Cleveland Browns in 1991 before joining the Patriots in 2000.
In his 49-year career, he amassed a 474-298-1 record and won six Super Bowls with New England. The three-time NFL Coach of the Year mutually parted ways with the Patriots on Jan. 10, which was publicly announced the following day. Belichick's 333 wins as a head coach is second-most all time in the NFL.
His 296 wins with the Patriots are the second most all-time with a single franchise, while his nine Super Bowl appearances and six titles are the most by any coach in history.
His father, Steve Belichick, served as a UNC assistant coach for three years from 1953-1955.
"I am excited for the opportunity at UNC-Chapel Hill," Belichick said in a press release. "I grew up around college football with my Dad and treasured those times. I have always wanted to coach in college and now I look forward to building the football program in Chapel Hill."
